Emma is a British photographer living in Johannesburg with her partner, six year old daughter and Jane the ridge-back. She has two passions in life; people and photography. Part of the challenge of taking a good portrait of someone is capturing the essence of that person. Photographs with energy are always a delight to look at, the work of Richard Avedon and David Bailey are examples of this. Emma believes that in order to get the best out of someone, they have to feel at ease in front of the camera. “I aim to make the experience of being photographed as enjoyable as possible, ‘photogenia’ is nothing to do with looking like a super model, but everything to do with feeling comfortable and relaxed in your own skin”. Emma started her UK photography business five years ago, which she continues to run by flying back regularly to see clients. She has now expanded that business to include the South African market and is looking forward to being just as busy with Joburg clients.
As well as undertaking commercial commissions, Emma spends time working on community projects which focus on the humanitarian side of photography. “Photographs have the amazing power to inform, provoke thought and inspire change. Johannesburg is a sobering place to live with the high crime rate and poverty levels, so I’d like to use my skills to document some of the positive aspects of the city and help people where possible”. Emma is currently working on a fund raising portrait project with Child Haven, a children’s home in Roodepoort, and a photo skills project with some boys from St John’s Academy which will culminate in an exhibition of their work later this year.
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